I believe that buy and hold investing is one of the best ways to build wealth.

But don’t worry if you’re not a fan of stock-picking. That’s because exchange traded funds (ETFs) are here to save the day by offering simply access to large groups of stocks in one fell swoop.

With that in mind, here are three ASX ETFs that I would buy for the long term:

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

The Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF offers investors exposure to the top 100 non-financial stocks listed on the Nasdaq exchange.

This effectively means a concentrated basket of the world’s most innovative technology leaders. Inside the ASX ETF, you will find giants such as Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), and Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), along with rising players like Adobe (NASDAQ: ADBE) and Broadcom (NASDAQ: AVGO).

The Nasdaq 100 has historically outperformed most global indices thanks to its tilt toward fast-growing industries like cloud computing, artificial intelligence, consumer tech, and semiconductors. And with AI now driving a generational infrastructure buildout, many of the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF’s largest holdings remain central to that global transformation.

Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

The Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF targets some of the most influential and fast-growing technology companies across China, Taiwan, and South Korea. Key holdings include Tencent Holdings (SEHK: 700), SK Hynix (KRX: 000660), Alibaba Group (NYSE: BABA), Samsung Electronics (KRX: 005930), Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (NYSE: TSM), and PDD Holdings (NASDAQ: PDD).

These companies sit at the heart of global megatrends like e-commerce, artificial intelligence, social media, and semiconductor manufacturing. Taiwan Semiconductor, for example, produces the world’s most advanced chips and plays a crucial role in powering everything from smartphones to autonomous vehicles. Tencent and Alibaba, meanwhile, dominate entertainment, cloud, and digital payments across Asia.

Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)

Cybersecurity has become one of the most essential industries in the digital economy, and the Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF provides simple access to the world leaders in the space.

Its portfolio includes CrowdStrike Holdings (NASDAQ: CRWD), Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW), and Fortinet (NASDAQ: FTNT). These are companies using advanced AI-powered tools to protect governments, corporations, and consumers from increasingly complex cyber threats.

One standout holding is CrowdStrike. The company’s Falcon platform is widely considered one of the most advanced security solutions available, capable of detecting threats in real time through machine learning. With cyberattacks rising globally and businesses moving more systems into the cloud, cybersecurity spending is expected to grow steadily for years to come.

The post 3 ASX ETFs I’d buy right now to build wealth appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF and Betashares Capital – Asia Technology Tigers Etf. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Adobe, Apple, BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, CrowdStrike, Fortinet, Microsoft, Nvidia, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, and Tencent. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Alibaba Group, Broadcom, and Palo Alto Networks and has recommended the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft, long January 2028 $330 calls on Adobe, short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft, and short January 2028 $340 calls on Adobe. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Adobe, Apple, CrowdStrike, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

There’s nothing quite like a takeover bid to drive interest in a stock, and for existing shareholders, there is also the prospect of windfall gains if the price is right.

There has been a flurry of takeover bids recently, with targets ranging from small gold prospectors, such as Venus Metals Corporation Ltd (ASX: VMC), to major companies like logistics provider Qube Holdings Ltd (ASX: QUB).

And in the case of the latter, and fellow takeover target National Storage REIT (ASX: NSR), there’s still the potential to make short-term gains, given each company’s share price is still trading at a discount to the offer price.

Qube trading at a decent discount

In the case of Qube, Macquarie Asset Management has launched a conditional bid for the company at $5.20 per share.

That was a significant premium to the $4.07 at which the company’s shares were trading at the time of the bid.

And while the shares have consistently traded higher than levels before the bid, they are still only changing hands for $4.64, meaning canny investors could make a windfall gain – should the bid actually go through.

Keep in mind that it is still conditional on satisfactory due diligence and a unanimous recommendation from the Qube board.

The board has granted Macquarie a period of exclusive due diligence, having previously negotiated for a higher price from Macquarie, and said at the time the possible deal was made public that, in the absence of a better offer, they do expect to endorse the bid.

Interestingly, UniSuper, which is a significant shareholder in Qube, has increased its shareholding in the company from 5.25% to 9.95% since the potential takeover bid was announced.

National Storage also in play

In the case of National Storage, the company was forced to divulge in late November that it had been approached by Brookfield Property Group and GIC Investments about a potential takeover, priced at $2.86 a share. This followed an article in The Australian hinting at the possible deal.

Like the Qube bid, the National Storage takeover offer is at this stage non-binding and conditional, but investors once again could make gains if it was to go through.

The National Storage bid is priced at $2.86, minus the likely 6-cent dividend to be paid by the company, which compares with the current share price of $2.71.

That implies a much lower premium of just 3.3% for investors who buy in now; however, some might be betting that a higher offer is in the wings.

In the case of Venus Metals Corporation, that company’s share price is actually trading higher than the 17 cent per share offer price from Queensland coal billionaire Chris Wallin’s company QGold.

 QGold’s offer is an on-market offer, meaning the company is actively buying shares at the offer price, however Venus said in a statement to the ASX this week it appeared the company was buying shares  at higher prices of between 18 cents and 19 cents in recent sessions.

Venus said this week it was currently preparing a target’s statement, which would be released to the ASX on December 8.

Venus shares closed Thursday’s trading session at 20 cents, well above the on-market bid price.

The post These two takeover targets are still trading below their potential bid prices appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Cameron England has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The share price of this ASX tech stock has taken a notable hit in recent weeks. In the last month, Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1) has lost 27% of its value, with a 10.5% decline in the last 5 trading days alone.

The recent tumble is erasing a significant portion of Megaport’s strong 2025 rally, although the ASX tech stock is still up 74% this year.

It’s a stark contrast with the performance of ASX 200 tech shares in general. By comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) is down 20% in the past 12 months.

Streamlining cloud connectivity

Regardless of the current volatility, the ASX tech stock remains one of the stand-out tech companies this year. Megaport is a network-as-a-service solutions provider that streamlines cloud connectivity for businesses.

Rather than investing in costly physical infrastructure or committing to lengthy telecommunications contracts, organisations can use Megaport’s software to establish private, secure data connections within minutes.

Sticky revenue

Megaport’s platform allows customers to connect to around 860 data centres worldwide. In the first half of FY25 alone, the ASX tech stock added another 82 data centres and four new internet exchange locations. This approach offers greater cost efficiency, speed, and flexibility compared to conventional networking methods.

The ASX 200 tech stock has been experiencing swift growth. Its customer base is increasing quickly, and it is broadening its presence around the world. This has helped Megaport underpin a strong annual recurring revenue (ARR) growth. For example, in FY25, it reported a 20% increase in ARR to $243.8 million. 

Fresh scrutiny over acquisition

Despite a solid underlying business, the ASX stock price has been under pressure in recent weeks. At the centre of recent volatility is the acquisition of Latitude.sh.

When it announced the takeover, the ASX 200 stock highlighted that Latitude.sh enables the company to extend its offering beyond network connectivity. It would be capable of marrying high-performance computing with Megaport’s existing global private networking.  

That pitch clearly excited investors at the time. Now, it seems that negative sentiment dominates and puts pressure on the price of the ASX tech stock. Investors don’t seem to be happy that the acquisition was largely financed by a capital raise.

Megaport completed a fully underwritten $200 million institutional placement issuing roughly 14 million new shares. For many shareholders, that dilution paired with uncertainty over integration and execution has created unease, contributing to the recent sell-off.

What do analysts think?

While the long-term potential remains attractive, there are also concerns about Megaport’s near-term growth outlook. Its FY26 guidance appears to have disappointed investors.

Analysts are divided, and some remain wary of the integration risk of Latitude.sh. They’re also uncertain whether Megaport can deliver on its ambitious growth and margin targets.  

However, most brokers still view the booming ASX tech stock as a hold or buy. They also see a 22% upside with an average target price of $16.55 over the next 12 months.

The post Why has this booming ASX tech stock dropped 27% in the last month? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Megaport. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

After a strong run in recent years, several blue-chip names that Australians rely on for income, including Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) and CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), have eased back from their highs. 

For many, it’s a reminder that even high-quality companies occasionally reset to more rational price levels.

For dividend investors, that can open a window. Not necessarily because yields shoot higher overnight, but because the next phase of long-term income growth often begins with buying quality businesses when expectations cool.

Why falling share prices can improve dividend prospects

When a share price pulls back, two things happen.

First, the starting yield often inches higher. We saw the reverse effect earlier this year, when Commonwealth Bank’s yield fell as the share price ran to all-time highs. Second — and more importantly — a valuation reset can give investors a better chance of achieving a margin of safety. 

Paying less for the same earnings power is one of the quiet levers behind a sustainable income strategy.

Contrast that with extremely high trailing yields often found in some mining, resources or energy companies. These yields can look enticing, yet they are backward-looking and typically reflect short-term conditions — such as elevated commodity prices — rather than what investors might reasonably expect going forward. Because profits in these sectors can swing sharply from year to year, the dividends that flow from them tend to fluctuate just as much.

That’s why dividend investing is rarely about what a company paid last year. It’s about what it can sustain.

Focus on earnings strength, not yield-chasing

A strong yield is only as durable as the cash flows behind it. The true foundations of long-term income are:

1. Competitive advantages that protect margins

Industries with high switching costs, intellectual property, network effects or essential infrastructure tend to exhibit more predictable earnings. That can translate into more stable dividends over time.

Healthcare leaders, global logistics operators, defensive consumer businesses and financial services with strong moats often fall into this category.

2. Earnings that grow steadily across cycles

Dividend growth follows earnings growth. Investors often underestimate how powerful a steady increase in earnings per share can be over a decade or more.

Some of the strongest long-term dividend stories — both in Australia and globally — were not the highest-yielding companies at the start. They were the ones whose earnings expanded consistently. This mirrors the principle used in passive-income strategies: build the engine first, then let the income flow later.

3. Valuations that aren’t “priced for perfection”

Even an outstanding business can become a poor investment if bought at too high a price. As seen with Commonwealth Bank earlier this year, stretched valuations reduce future return potential and compress yields. A pullback improves the equation.

Buying quality at a reasonable price has always been at the heart of long-term dividend investing.

What might dividend investors look for now?

For dividend investors, the recent pullback across parts of the ASX is less a warning sign and more a chance to reassess quality. 

When long-established franchises with strong track records of compounding earnings reset to more reasonable valuations, the long-term yield on cost often becomes far more compelling than whatever headline yield appears today. The goal isn’t to chase the biggest number — it’s to position yourself in front of dependable earnings power.

That starts with businesses that generate reliable, recurring cash flow. Sustained dividends tend to come from service-based models, essential infrastructure, global operators and companies with diversified revenue streams that can absorb market shocks. 

Moderate but consistent dividend growth can outpace high but unstable yields over a decade. Balancing your income across sectors such as banks, healthcare, consumer staples and infrastructure can further smooth the ride.

The broader takeaway is simple: a reset is an opportunity to upgrade quality, not stretch for yield. Favour robust companies with durable advantages, steady earnings growth and reasonable valuations. Do this consistently and income tends to take care of itself.

Alternatively, investors who prefer a more hands-off approach can also use income-focused ETFs, such as the Betashares S&P Global High Dividend Aristocrats ETF (ASX: INCM), to gain diversification and remove the active stock-selection component from their process.

Strong dividend investing has always been simple, not dramatic.

The post Dividend investing opportunities emerging as quality ASX stocks reset appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• 4 ASX shares I’d buy today with $10,000

Motley Fool contributor Leigh Gant has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Do you have room for some new additions to your income portfolio in December?

If you do, then it could be worth considering the two ASX dividend stocks in this article that brokers rate as buys. Here’s what they are recommending as buys:

Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT)

Analysts at Morgans think that Flight Centre could be an ASX dividend stock to buy in December.

The broker believes that it is worth holding the travel agent’s shares through the current period because when the tide turns, its earnings growth is expected to accelerate. Morgans believes this could put a rocket under its share price. It said:

FLT’s FY25 result was broadly in line with its recent update. Corporate was weaker than expected while Leisure and Other were stronger. FLT’s guidance for a flat 1H26 was stronger than we expected however it was weaker than consensus. Earnings growth is expected to accelerate in the 2H26 from an improvement in macro-economic conditions and internal business improvement initiatives. We have made minor upgrades to our forecasts.

We are buyers of FLT during this period of short-term uncertainty and share price weakness because when operating conditions ultimately improve, both its earnings and share price leverage to the upside will be material.

With respect to income, Morgans is forecasting fully franked dividends of 51 cents per share in FY 2026 and then 58 cents per share in FY 2027. Based on the current Flight Centre share price of $13.76, this would mean dividend yields of 3.7% and 4.2%, respectively.

The broker currently has a buy rating and $15.65 price target on its shares.

Rural Funds Group (ASX: RFF)

Over at Bell Potter, its analysts think that Rural Funds could be an ASX dividend stock to buy this month.

Rural Funds is an Australian agricultural property company with a total of 63 assets across five sectors

At the last count, it boasted a weighted average lease expiry of 13.9 years, which gives it significant visibility on its future earnings and distributions.

Despite this, Bell Potter notes that its shares are trading at a significant discount to net asset value. It said:

Our Buy rating is unchanged. The -~35% discount to market NAV remain higher than average (~6% premium since listing) and likely reflects the proportion of assets that are underearning as operating farms. With a continued improvement in most counterparty profitability indicators in recent months (i.e. cattle, almond and macadamia nut prices), resilience in farming asset values and the progress made in creating headroom in funding lines to complete the macadamia development we see this as excessive.

Bell Potter believes the company is positioned to pay dividends per share of 11.7 cents in both FY 2026 and FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $1.97, this would mean dividend yields of almost 6% for both years.

The broker has a buy rating and $2.45 price target on its shares.

The post Analysts expect 4% to 6% dividend yields from these ASX stocks appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Rural Funds Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Flight Centre Travel Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) shares are trading in the red on Thursday afternoon. At the time of writing the lithium producer’s share price is down 4.5% to $3.72 a piece. It’s not done much to dent the surging stock’s latest price rally though. Over the past month the shares have jumped 20.62%. They’re now an impressive 209.17% higher than just 6 months ago.

What’s happened to the Pilbara Minerals share price?

Pilbara Minerals shares have been on the rise since June, and they’ve been climbing pretty steadily too. Improved lithium market sentiment and demand has primarily been driven by a surge in interest in electric vehicles (EV) and battery energy storage. Global EV sales have been rising faster than carmakers can keep up! And demand for grid-scale energy storage to stabilise renewable energy is also booming.

It’s not just the lithium demand and strong prices pushing the producer’s share price higher though. Its business has also strengthened substantially over the past year, positioning the company as a major producer in the market. 

In its September quarter update, Pilbara Minerals posted a 2% increase in spodumene production and a 20% increase in realised pricing. This resulted in an exceptional 30% rise in revenue to $251 million.

Pilbara Minerals is also the 100% owner-operator of relatively low-cost, long-life spodumene mines. The company has a strong net cash balance sheet, which gives it more flexibility and a competitive edge over some of its peers.

Is there any more upside ahead?

The rally for lithium demand has exploded this year, and while there are concerns that some lithium producer’s shares have now peaked, I don’t think this is the case for Pilbara Minerals.

The stock has made headlines recently for being one of the most-traded shares last week, albeit the majority was selling activity. This also supports claims it is also one of the 10 most-shorted shares on the ASX.

Data shows that analysts are divided on the stock, with most having hold or buy ratings on the stock. Out of 20 analysts, 9 have a hold rating and 6 have a strong buy rating on Pilbara Minerals shares. The average target price is $3.11, however some think the share price could rise as high as $4.40 over the next 12 months. At the time of writing that represents anything from a potential 16.41% downside to an 18.28% upside. 

The post Up over 200% in 6 months: Are Pilbara Minerals shares still a buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.